Who says spring break is all about beaches, shopping, and nightlife? Although the 2010 Major League Baseball regular season doesn’t start until April 4, spring training is in full swing. If you’re traveling to Florida or Arizona for spring break, you may be just a short drive from one of several spring training facilities dotted around cities in each state. The “Sunshine State” and the “Grand Canyon State,” both known for their warm climates, are the only states in the entire country to host spring training ball games.

Whether you’re an avid baseball fan or just want to spend a few hours with friends, a day at the ballpark is a great alternative to an afternoon amidst the hustle and bustle of a packed amusement park, packed mall of people or a tourist place. -saturated beach. Plus, each game gives viewers a chance to get an autograph, catch a foul ball, or take plenty of pictures.

Spring training is divided into two leagues with 15 teams each. The teams that train in Florida make up the Grapefruit League, while the teams that train and play exhibition games in Arizona are in the Cactus League. More than 1.5 million fans have attended Grapefruit League games six years in a row, while the Cactus League set an attendance record with 1.31 million fans in 2008.

And while Arizona is almost integral with the Grand Canyon and Florida conjures up images of breathtaking rides at Orlando’s famous theme parks, there’s plenty more to do in these sun-kissed springtime locales. Both states offer a wealth of recreational activities including golf, hiking, and biking. If you like to watch the sunset, you’ll want to visit Phoenix, which sees more than 300 days of sunshine a year. (I guess they call it “The Valley of the Sun” for a reason!) Orlando was named the third most visited American city among travelers by Forbes in 2007, largely thanks to its popular theme parks, sprawling shopping malls, and a vibrant sports scene.

Whether you’re heading southeast or southwest this spring, there are notable hotels just minutes from spring training stadiums in several cities in both states.

grapefruit league

Champion Stadium, the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves in Lake Buena Vista at Walt Disney World, is just 1.3 miles from the Mona Lisa Suite Hotel, which offers complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney theme parks, Universal Orlando and Sea World. The stadium is also 1.6 miles from the Celebration Hotel, a four-diamond boutique hotel in the heart of Celebration. Adjacent to Lake Buena Vista is Kissimmee, where travelers can catch a Houston Astros spring training game by venturing to Osceola County Stadium. Just seven miles away is Caribe Royal Orlando, while the Radisson Orlando Resort and Gaylord Palms are approximately 10 miles away.

If you’re traveling to Legends Field in Tampa to watch the defending World Series champion New York Yankees in action, you can stay at the Sailport Waterfront Suites in Tampa Bay, Tampa’s only waterfront suite hotel (approximately 4 miles from distance), or Safety Harbor Resort and Spa which, located less than 11 miles away, underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2007.

cacti garter

Travelers visiting the Phoenix area can attend an Oakland Athletics game at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, which is approximately 6.5 miles away from the Best Western Dobson Ranch Inn and the 10 acres of courtyards. landscape in which it is located. Phoenix is ​​also home to the resurgent Milwaukee Brewers who, in 2008, lost to the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies in their first playoff appearance since 1982. Try to get an autograph from All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder at Maryvale Baseball Park, which is about 5 miles from the property named “Arizona’s Best Boutique Hotel” in 2007 by The Travel Channel – The Clarendon. Travel east and you’ll find Scottsdale, the site of the ever-popular Scottsdale Stadium. Home of the San Francisco Giants, it is approximately 2.5 miles from the Hospitality Suites Resort, which offers complimentary breakfast and features a hot tub and three swimming pools.

Ready to escape the cold weather? Be sure to grab your glove and camera and catch a live spring training game in Florida or Arizona before time runs out. Play ball!